With the advancement of SSD technology, they have become more affordable while offering improved performance and larger storage capacities. By 2024, economical SSDs provide excellent performance and great value. This article reviews the available options of internal and external SSDs at reasonable prices. Internal drives offer exceptional speeds and improve system responsiveness, while external drives provide easy file transfer and quick storage expansion. Although not as fast as PCIe-connected internal drives, they significantly outperform traditional HDDs.
Best Budget SSDs for 2024
Best Internal SSDs
Samsung SSD 990 EVO
The Samsung SSD 990 EVO features read speeds of up to 5000 megabytes per second and write speeds of up to 4200 megabytes per second, with 133-layer 3D NAND memory. It provides fast performance suitable for gaming and intensive work in a simple design.
Pros:
- High performance
- Energy efficient
- Effective heat management
- Easy-to-use software
Cons:
- Higher price compared to competitors
- No dedicated DRAM
- May heat up during intensive usage
- May not be fully compatible with older systems
The new Samsung 990 EVO SSD engine provides super high speed of over 7 gigabytes per second for read and write thanks to PCIe 4.0 and NVMe protocol to increase bandwidth. It greatly reduces game loading times and excels in multitasking performance. With random read and write speeds of up to 1,050K and 1,400K IOPS in the 4TB model, it ensures smooth operation. It also includes security features like AES 256-bit encryption, supports the latest TCG/Opal standards, and offers a five-year warranty.
This translates to extremely smooth operation when opening multiple files or applications at the same time. The 990 EVO proves its strength in real-world scenarios that lesser SSDs struggle with. Samsung did not skimp on fine details, as the drive offers strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption and support for the latest TCG/Opal standards. Heat is controlled thanks to an efficient heat sink label. With a five-year warranty and an up to 2400TB written capacity, the Samsung 990 EVO provides speed and security perfectly for those seeking performance without compromises.
Highly Rated
Crucial X9 Pro
Pocket-sized Power!
The Crucial X9 Pro stands out with its durability and elegance, coming in a small size that fits comfortably in hand and delivers outstanding performance. With speeds of up to 1,050MB/s for reading and 975MB/s for writing, along with IP55 water and dust resistance and withstands drops from 7.5 feet, it offers reliable data protection on the go.
Pros:
- High speeds
- Durability with water and dust resistance
- Wide compatibility with systems
Cons:
- No encryption
- Limited accessories
Crucial X9 Pro leaves a strong impression with its sleek aircraft-grade aluminum build. This drive targets professionals in need of fast and durable storage they can take anywhere. In actual use, the X9 Pro delivers read/write speeds near the maximum limit thanks to its connection via USB 3.2 Gen2x2. A speed of 950MB/s was recorded when transferring a video folder, making it perfect for backups and handling large media like high-resolution images or 8K footage on the go.
X9 Pro excels in response speed thanks to dynamic SLC caching. It remains cool even under heavy use, with its rubber coating and IP55 rating for protection against spray and shocks. Perfect for creative professionals and business users needing to securely store their data while on the move. Despite software-based security lacking, X9 Pro focuses on delivering fast and uncompromising portable performance.
Best Value
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD
Combining strong design with fast performance, the Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD offers read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000MB/s via USB 3.2, with a capacity of up to 4TB. It features a durable aluminum body, dynamic heat management to stay cool even under heavy loads. Ideal for portability with its small size and high durability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- High speeds
- Durable build
Cons:
- Speed fluctuations with large files
- No biometric protection or IP water and dust resistance rating.
With storage capacity of up to 4 terabytes, the Samsung T7 allows you to load your entire media collection or add instant storage space to laptops, desktops, and even gaming consoles. Its compatibility with all your devices makes it a versatile choice. Whether you need it for work, entertainment, or storing growing data, it delivers outstanding performance in a small and powerful design. With built-in security features, it protects your sensitive data, making it a perfect choice for portable storage.
